Gulf Pine Catholic

Gulf Pine Catholic • September 15, 2023 5 Compassionate Service 228-374-5650 Bradfordokeefe.com Opening Remarks -- Diet: I just came up with a new diet called the Elimination Diet. Eliminate anger, fear, worry, revenge, guilt, blame, unforgiveness, carrying grudges, and rehashing yester- day’s mistakes. Take on a hunger for God’s mercy, love, com- passion, immediate and lasting forgiveness, joy, peace, and an unbreakable bond with Jesus as Lord. Feed the spirit and starve the flesh. Then, watch your health and life improve. Practical Wisdom: Sirach is one of the Wisdom books in the Old Testament. Today’s reading deals with sins of the tongue and the havoc that results from its sharp or inappropriate use. But further points to guarding the mind, which conceives the venom the tongue dispenses. This is common sense, practical do and don’t wisdom that, if applied, would eliminate some of our foolish bickering, hurtful feelings, and severing of relationships. Today’s words of wisdom should be put in a readily available device, journal, or posted notes and kept in a conspicuous place (bathroom mirror, refrigerator, sun visor of your car) as a reminder of how easily we can offend God and those with whom we interact. It also offers corrective action for the problem. Mercy: Psalm 103 is an invitation to bless and praise the Lord for what God has done. The Psalmist has great faith and a holy attitude. He strives always to remember the good things he has received from the Lord and be grateful for them. “The Lord pardons all your iniquities, heals all your ills, and redeems your life from destruction. As far as the east is from the west, so far has He put our transgressions from us.” The Lord is merciful in that He forgives, forgets, and heals. Even our sins cannot dissuade or destroy God’s mercy. How frequently are you availing yourself of God’s mercy through the Sacrament of Reconciliation? Live/Die for Christ: Throughout the Book of Romans, Paul emphasizes God’s total claim on the believer’s life. St. Paul writes, “Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God” (Romans 12:2). Don’t take this casually. Be very deliberate about what enters your mind. Fill it with good things, not trash. Our emotional, rash, or offensive actions come about because we do not surrender our thoughts, words, and actions to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Just do it. Don’t make snap judgments on important matters without prayer and consultation with someone who cares about your spiritual well-being and will give you wise counsel. How Many Times? Have you noticed in the Gospels how St. Peter is always quick to ask a question or give an answer or an opinion? Peter’s quick expressiveness has richly blessed the Church with Jesus’ doctrinal teachings. Today’s Gospel is no exception. Some background: Jewish rabbinical law taught that one was obligated to forgive their countryman three times, and if that person committed a wrong again, they were not bound to offer forgiveness. The rule was from of old but still practiced in Jesus’ day. So, Peter asks the question that opens today’s Gospel reading, “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him: as many as seven times?” Jesus responds, “Not seven times but seventy-seven times.” The answer covers two questions. First, “Should I forgive someone who has wronged or offended me? The answer is “Yes.” Second, “How many times must I forgive?” The answer is “Always.” Jesus then launches into a parable on forgiveness as it relates to the “kingdom of heaven” (i.e., God’s intentions for everyone. Our model is Jesus. As citizens of this kingdom, we are called to think, speak, and act as Christ thought, spoke, and acted). By using a monetary debt obligation, Jesus illustrates the generosity of the master (God). The issue is not about money but about being generous in relationships and following the example of our Lord towards others. The parable also answers a comment we often hear, “I might be able to forgive, but I will never forget.” Note in the parable that the master forgave the entire debt. Since it was such a large amount, the generous master could have offered a payback plan. But that was not a solution because it would have still prolonged the debt and the corresponding guilt on the debtor’s part and be a continuous reminder for the lender. Jesus wanted His hearers to understand that the debt was wiped out in its entirety -- never to be brought up again. When God forgives us, He does not say I forgive you, but I’m going to continue to hold it against you -- No, the Scriptures tell us, “He forgives our sins and remembers them no more” (Hebrews 8:12). This teaching is challenging for us to apply but vital to our faith development. In teaching his disciples to pray, Jesus said, “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us” (Matthew 6: 12). Closing Comments: Jesus teaches that we must always forgive and not hold revengeful thoughts or grudges -- in other words, “Be merciful just as your heavenly Father is merciful” (Luke 6:36). We can do this. If we wait until we feel like forgiving, it will never happen. Forgiveness is a decision of the will; emotion has no part in the process. We want to forgive, and we act on that will by doing it. If/when feelings of anger or revenge arise, pray an act of contrition and get to the Sacrament of Reconciliation ASAP. Deacon Ralph Torrelli lives in Hattiesburg and is assigned to St. Thomas Aquinas Parish. Visit his web- site: www.homilypearls.com. 1st Reading: Sirach 27:30-28:7 Psalm: 103:1-2, 3-4, 9-10, 11-12 2nd Reading: Romans 14:7-9 Gospel: Matthew 18:21-35 24th Sunday of Ordinary Time New diet Deacon Torrell i Sunday Scripture Commentaries The Pope’s Monthly Intentions for 2023 September For people living on the margins We pray for those persons living on the margins of society, in inhumane life conditions; may they not be overlooked by institutions and never considered of lesser importance.